GOVERNOR Ralph DLG Torres on Tuesday, in the presence of the CNMI Council of Developmental Disabilities, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Center for Living Independently, the CNMI Disability Network Partners, and community members, proclaimed March 2022 as Developmental and Employment Awareness Month.
Also represented was Northern Marianas College-University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities and Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy Systems Inc.
This year’s Developmental Disabilities and Employment Awareness Month theme is “Worlds Imagined,” and the council recognized and awarded various organizations and members of the community who are champions of equal opportunity in the CNMI.
The proclamation reads, “A talented pool of individuals with developmental or other disabilities residing in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands is waiting to be tapped.”
“The CNMI is stronger when people of all abilities are included in community life and in the workplace. When people with developmental and other disabilities are included in the workforce, they have the opportunity to earn a competitive wage and to work as part of a team,” it adds.
According to the proclamation, people with developmental and other disabilities who are included and active in the communities are more likely to give back to their communities.
“Even to this day in the year 2022, we are presented with a number of barriers or challenges that prevent people with developmental and other disabilities from reaching their full and maximum potential in our community including the workplace,” the proclamation notes.
“We join our U.S. program counterparts in acknowledging the adverse impact that attitudinal barriers play not only in the lives of people with developmental and other disabilities, but in our communities as well.”
“Despite this reality, the Disability Network Partners are committed to ensuring that we continue on our collective journey towards true unity and diversity,” the proclamation reads.
Furthermore, it says, “During Developmental Disabilities and Employment Awareness Month, we celebrate the many talents and contributions of CNMI workers with disabilities as well as recognize the positive strides that employers have made in ensuring an all-inclusive workplace and culture. This month, please be encouraged to learn more about diversity in the workplace and decide what part you will play in this important effort.”
Governor Torres thanked the CNMI Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Special Education Program, and the CNMI Disability Network Partners for working to address the specific needs of persons with disabilities, and helping them improve their daily lives to reach their full potential.
He also reminded the community of the importance of inclusion and providing equal opportunities to everyone in our community.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres signs a proclamation designating March as Developmental and Employment Awareness Month.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres poses for a photo with CNMI Council on Developmental Disabilities Executive Director Pamela C. Sablan, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Executive Director Arlene M. Reyes, Northern Marianas College-University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Program Manager Eileen Babauta, Center for Living Independently CNMI Executive Director Susan Satur, Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy Systems Inc. Executive Director Gregory P. Borja, CNMI Disability Network Partners, and other members of the community following the proclamation of March 2022 as Developmental Disabilities and Employment Awareness Month.
